Monday, August 27, 2012

Brother William, Saint Mary's president, left, and Michael Gostomski, president of the Saint Mary's Board of Trustees, right, present an honorary doctorate to Bishop John Quinn during the University Centennial Convocation.

The Centennial Award was presented to the Diocese of Winona by Brother William, center left, and Michael Gostomski, right. Accepting the award are Bishop John Quinn, center right, and Father Richard Colletti, Vicar General, left.

WINONA, Minn. — On Monday, Aug. 27, the entire Saint Mary’s University community gathered for the University Centennial Convocation. At this historic university-wide convocation, the Most Reverend John M. Quinn, Bishop of Winona, was awarded by Brother William and chair of the Board of Trustees, Michael Gostomski, an honorary doctorate in pastoral ministry. This is one of the highest honors the university can bestow.

The text of the proclamation accompanying the degree certificate is included below:
Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has since his ordination forty years ago admirably dedicated his life in service of the Church as priest, pastor, and shepherd; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has demonstrated a life-long love of learning as a student of philosophy, religious education, and systematic theology; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has, as a secondary school teacher, university professor, diocesan director of education, and university trustee, actively worked to support the ministry of education and evangelization in Catholic schools and universities; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has contributed significantly to the priestly formation, education, and accompaniment of seminarians at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has provided assistance to the developmentally disabled as a member of the Order of Alhambra, to the disadvantaged and poor through his work as Episcopal Advisor of the National Council of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and to the development and strengthening of family life as Episcopal Moderator of the Blessed Adolph Kolping Society; and

Whereas, Bishop John Quinn has loyally and faithfully served the people of God as twenty-third Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit and as eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Winona; and

Whereas, Saint Mary’s University thanks God that this successor of Bishop Joseph Bernard Cotter and Bishop Patrick Richard Heffron has been given the graces necessary to help so many others become, in the words of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, true children of God and citizens of heaven;

The Board of Trustees of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota bestows on Bishop John Michael Quinn the degree of Doctor of Pastoral Ministry, Honoris Causa.

Additionally, Brother William presented the Winona Diocese with the Centennial Award “in grateful recognition of our century-long shared heritage and for its continued ministry — boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in unity with the universal Church, advancing God’s Kingdom of peace, justice and love.”

As it celebrates its Centennial year and prepares the launch of its second century, Saint Mary’s University, founded by the Diocese of Winona and rooted in its Lasallian Catholic identity, stands strong as a transformational and innovative top-tier national university with a global footprint.

A full schedule of Centennial events is planned for the 2012-13 academic year. For more information, go to www.saintmarys100.com.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

WINONA, Minn. — Audrey Kintzi, M.S., ACFRE, assumed the role of vice president, Development at Saint Mary’s University in July. Kintzi formerly served Saint Mary’s as senior development director. Additionally, she is an adjunct faculty member for the university’s Masters in Philanthropy and Development Program.

Kintzi brings considerable experience to this position after working in the development field for more than 25 years. Before joining Saint Mary’s, she served the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter, as the executive vice president of development.

A 1983 graduate of Mankato State University, she obtained the designation of CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) in 1991. In October of 2004, she obtained the highly esteemed ACFRE (Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive) credential. This advanced fundraising credential has been conferred on fewer than 100 people internationally. Kintzi is also a past president of the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

“I am deeply honored to be serving as the vice president, Development for Saint Mary’s University,” Kintzi said. “We are deeply blessed to have an incredible faculty, amazing students and the support of our alumni, friends and community members. I look forward to the opportunity to work with all of these amazing individuals to further our mission to awaken, nurture and empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership.”

She and her husband Ron have two children, Nathan and Amanda. They are active volunteers with their church and a number of nonprofit organizations including the Girl Scouts, the Arthritis Foundation and Gilda’s Club in the Twin Cities.

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold auditions for its holiday production of “The Nutcracker” on Thursday, Sept. 6, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

“The Nutcracker” will be performed at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre Nov. 28 through Dec. 2. “The Nutcracker” tells the timeless tale of Clara as she is taken into a magical world filled with dancing candy, daring sword fights, and beautiful fairies.

There are numerous ways to be involved in this production, from under the spotlight to behind the scenes. Roles are available for actors, dancers, and community members. Children older than 5 and adults with all levels of experience are welcome. MCA’s WAYS youth choir will be featured in this production as well.

For more information, go online to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Auditions are free and open to the public!

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host its fall registration open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 W. 10th St.

The public is welcome to visit the facility, tour the studios and classrooms, and meet the Conservatory’s talented instructors and staff. The dance attire boutique will be open, and staff will assist with fittings and take orders for all of the dance classes.

Be the first to register for the Fall Semester I classes in person. Anyone interested in taking private music lessons is invited to see, hear and try out specific instruments.

Meet and welcome the new managing director and administrative assistant, speak with Friends of the MCA to learn more about volunteer opportunities, and meet others who love the arts.

Class days, times, and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facbebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

WINONA, Minn. — Twenty-one photographs from the Tibet Image Bank, London will be on display Aug. 24 through Sept. 24 at Saint Mary’s University in conjunction with an artist-in-residency by the Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery.

The photo show, “Tibet: Magical Land of Spiritual Wonders” will be on display at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, located in the Toner Student Center, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The Tibetan Monks will create a sand mandala from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, through Friday, Sept. 21. In this sacred tradition, intricate and artistic designs are created from colored sand and then ritualistically destroyed to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the impermanent nature of material life. The public is also invited to participate in a community sand painting during this period.

An opening ceremony will begin at 11:45 a.m. Sept. 17 and a closing ceremony will begin at 11:45 a.m. Sept. 21. During the closing ceremony, the public is invited to join the Tibetan Monks in ceremoniously releasing the sand used from the mandala into Gilmore Creek. Events being held in the gallery are free and open to the public.

The Tibetan Monks will also present a public performance Thursday, Sept. 20, in Page Theatre. For more information, go to www.pagetheatre.org. Tickets are available online or at the Page Theatre Box office, (507) 457-1715 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday, August 13, 2012

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will be offering pre-audition workshops Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 28-30, beginning at 4 p.m. for anyone interested in the areas of dance, vocal music, and theatre at The Valéncia Arts Center (VAC), located at 1164 West 10th St.

These workshops offer the opportunity for students to learn the stage directions, pantomime, improvisation, and dance and performance technique skills needed to be successful at an audition. These workshops offer an ideal experience for younger students to become familiar with the audition setting for ‘The Nutcracker” before the actual audition. The workshop will also offer more advanced students the opportunity to participate in a technique classes at the end of summer before auditions, sharpening their skills and keeping them on their toes.

For more details about this opportunity, or for a current catalog and a complete list of programming, go online at www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” it on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person. Financial need-based scholarships are available.

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

WINONA, Minn. — The 26th season of the Saint Mary’s University Page Series is once again filled with music, dance, theatre, and family-friendly offerings from around the world! You don’t have to travel far for world-class performances. Individual tickets go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m.

This includes all events for the Page Series, Off the Page events, and SMU music, theatre and dance events.
To order, go online to www.pagetheatre.org or call the box office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The 2012-2013 Page Series

• Saturday, March 16, 2013, 7:30 p.m.Eileen Ivers Irish-American Celtic music
Tickets: $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and students

‘Off The Page’

“Off The Page” events, feature individually priced events that take place in venues around town. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 21. This year’s “Off the Page” performances take place at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

Saint Mary’s is a fiscal year 2012 recipient of an Institutional Presenter Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

WINONA, Minn. — Forbes.com’s 2012 list of “America’s Top Colleges” ranks Saint Mary’s University as No. 306 out of 650 of “The Best Public and Private Colleges and Universities —from the student's point of view.”

SMU is also listed by Forbes as No. 235 in “Private Colleges,” No. 117 in “Research Universities,” and No. 70 “In the Midwest.” These rankings are significantly higher than last year, when SMU ranked 418 overall, 326 in “Private Colleges,” “139 in “Research Universities” and No. 105 “In the Midwest.”

The annual list of “America's Best Colleges,” ranks a select group of more than 650 undergraduate institutions — the top 20% of all undergraduate institutions – based on the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students, and how much they achieve.

The annual ranking, which is assembled by the Washington, D.C.-based Center for College Affordability and Productivity, is based on schools’ performances in five categories: post-graduate success, student satisfaction, debt, four-year graduation rate, and competitive awards, according to Forbes.

Jim Bedtke, vice president for the College, said he is excited to see Saint Mary’s climb the Forbes “Top Colleges” list. “The Forbes listing is especially meaningful to us because it measures students’ satisfaction and opinion,” Bedtke said. “This study reaffirms that our students receive a quality education experience and are successful in their chosen careers. It also reflects that our students are able to graduate within four years and control their college tuition expenses.”

Thursday, August 02, 2012

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University’s Page Series will be hosting the Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery Sept. 17-21, including a public performance Sept. 20.

During their week-long residency, the Tibetan Monks will create a sand mandala in the Toner Student Center. In this sacred tradition, intricate and artistic designs are created from colored sand and then ritualistically destroyed to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the impermanent nature of material life.

In conjunction with these events, the community is invited to submit design ideas and participate in the construction of a community sand painting. The community will not create a mandala or any attempt at replication of this sacred art. Instead the images in this community sand painting should reflect strongly the local essence of the community and/or landscape.

Here are some important elements to consider as you consider the design idea submission:

• The community sand painting will be constructed on a tabletop, similar to the one the monks will use. The design will not exceed 3 feet by 3 feet. Design entries should be on a smaller scale (10 inches by 10 inches is the recommended size). A color picture of the design will be displayed nearby so people would know where to place the appropriate colors. The Page Series will supply all of the colored sand, and volunteers to assist with the process.

• The design should be simple, meaningful and easily recognized by the local community. The design can be a combination of shapes, images and words – but preferably with no intricate details.

• The design should be able to be viewed from all angles, without a defined top and bottom – so everyone who works on it or views it at any angle will still have a good seat.

• Many people will work to bring the design to fruition – young and old, artists with and without experience.

• All design proposals must be submitted in color. Color pencil is preferred, or a medium that does not allow for shading of colors, as this is not possible with the sand. Computer graphic design is acceptable as well.

• By submitting the design for the community sand painting, you agree to release all rights to use this image to the Performance Center at Saint Mary's University solely for the purpose of the community sand painting. Your design may be used in part or entirety in the spirit of collaborative community design.

Design submissions must be submitted to the Performance Center at Saint Mary's, attention Community Sand Painting Design Committee, by no later than 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7. Submit your entry electronically to tickets@smumn.edu or drop it off at the Performance Center Box Office between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers yearlong programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for youth age 3 through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

This summer, the Conservatory will conduct its annual Concert on the Lawn at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, in front of the Valéncia Arts Center. The concert will include performances by students who have taken private lessons and a fun-filled sing-a-long! Bring a blanket, a chair, a picnic, and your favorite song choice!

For a brochure and a complete listing of programs offered by the Conservatory, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may registration online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

About Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is dedicated to advancing the educational and career goals of today’s students. Saint Mary’s has almost 5,700 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in Winona, the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nairobi, Kenya.

At Saint Mary’s 100-year-old residential campus in Winona, the undergraduate College curriculum combines traditional liberal arts and sciences with career preparation in a student-centered environment.

The Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs is one of the largest graduate schools in Minnesota. A pioneer in outreach education since 1984, the SGPP creates communities of learning when and where they are needed, serving both adult learners and the educational needs of society.